As the first star appears in the sky, Ukrainian Canadian families will
gather to celebrate Christmas Eve. It is the climax of a six week Nativity
Fast period called Pylypivka.
Sviata Vecheria (the Christmas Eve Supper) is steeped in tradition
and features a humble and reverent 12-dish meal in honour of the twelve
apostles spreading food for the soul throughout the world. The dishes contain
no meat or dairy products to show respect for the animals that shared their
place of shelter and were present for the birth of Christ.

A few wisps of hay are placed under an embroidered tablecloth as a reminder
of the manger in Bethlehem. A decorated sheaf of wheat or "didukh", symbolizing
the harvest, is placed in a corner of the room under an icon, with each
kernel of the didukh denoting the spiritual presence of family and forebears.

Carolling begins after the Sviata Vecheria as groups of carollers go
from house to house and "for a song" the hosts provide a donation to the
charity the carollers have chosen. Ukrainian Christmas carols ("koliadky")
are a part of the rich Ukrainian oral tradition and through them one can
trace the Ukrainian historical experience to antiquity.

"Christmas on Jan. 7 is a centuries old tradition based on the old Julian
Calendar that is celebrated by both Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Churches,"
commented Paul Grod , UCC National President. "We wish our Orthodox and
Eastern-rite Catholic brethren all the best during this Christmas season."